One Male and Two Female Figures.
This affecting tableau is a representation of the death of the
beautiful Minnehaha. The scene is at the moment when Hiawatha draws
back the door of the wigwam, and there beholds his lovely Minnehaha
lying dead and cold before him. The scenery of this picture is the
same that is used in the tableau of Hiawatha and his Bride's Arrival
Home. It is mid-winter, and the fields and woods are covered with
snow; and to represent this scene it will be necessary to cover the
ground with cotton flannel, instead of the green bocking which we used
in the summer scene. The trees, wigwam, and vines should be covered
with small pieces of cotton wool, to represent snow. Large bags,
filled with straw, may be covered in the same manner, and placed
around the doorway of the wigwam at each side of the stage, to
represent snow banks. Minnehaha has on the same costume we have before
described, and is reclining on a bed of robes near the entrance of the
wigwam. Her body should be propped up so that she can be easily seen.
A dark robe is thrown across the lower portion of her form, a calm,
resigned look is on the countenance. Her hands are folded on her
breast, eyes closed as if in sleep. At her side, sitting on a low
seat, is Nokomis. She wears the same costume which is described in the
return of Hiawatha, with a fur robe gathered about her. She is leaning
forward towards the couch, and presses both hands against her face.
Her eyes are cast down to the ground, while grief and melancholy are
depicted on the countenance. The dying embers of a fire send up a
curling smoke by her side. This should be placed in an iron furnace,
and surrounded by the imitation snow. Hiawatha stands on one side of
the doorway, and is in the position of one running. He clasps the door
with his right hand, and is in the act of stepping into the wigwam.
His eyes are fixed on Minnehaha; the left hand is pressed against his
forehead; grief and amazement are depicted on his countenance. While
the picture is being exhibited, a portion of the accompanying poem may
be read by the announcer. The music should be quite soft, and of a
plaintive character. The lights for this piece must be of medium
brightness, and come from the side opposite the door of the wigwam.